Tell DC Council to keep the DC Climate bill strong!

DC friends!

We are so close to passing the “Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act of 2018” – it would be the most ambitious climate bill anywhere in the country, requiring the District to transition to 100% clean electricity by 2032, funding new sustainability initiatives, and enacting first of its kind building standards to make our city a global leader on climate change.

The good news: DC Council passed the bill unanimously on the first of two readings

The bad news: Utility company Pepco introduced sweeping last-minute changes that would monopolize and severely undermine the energy efficiency portions of the bill and, opening the door for Pepco to pass on tens of millions of dollars in costs to D.C. residents.

Call script (please prioritize calls to your Councilmember)

“Hi, my name is ____ and I live in Ward [NUMBER].

"I'm calling to urge the Councilmember to pass the Clean Energy DC Act. This key bill is our response to the climate crisis, and uses a commonsense approach to reduce climate pollution in a way that benefits all of our neighbors.

“I’m also alarmed to learn that Pepco has introduced last-minute changes that would undermine the efficiency portion of the bill. The proposed changes could increase my energy bills and those of my neighbors. It doesn't feel right that Pepco has rushed these serious changes into the bill right before the Thanksgiving holiday without giving us a chance to review or comment.

“Can I count on Councilmember [NAME] to vote for the strongest and fairest version of the Clean Energy DC Act, and to oppose Pepco's harmful changes to the bill?

[If no answer or if "no"]: “Well, I'd like to urge Councilmember [NAME] to ensure that the strongest and fairest possible Clean Energy DC Act passes the Council this year.”

More about the DC Climate Bill

The “Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act of 2018” would transition the District to 100% clean electricity by 2032 — the strongest renewable energy bill in the country — while investing in energy efficiency, creating groundbreaking building standards, and funding local programs to help low-income residents and make the city a sustainable place to live.

1) Transition DC to 100% renewable energy by 2032. By increasing the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 100% by 2032, all District electricity would come from renewable energy like wind and solar. This would be the strongest clean energy law in the country!

2) Increase funding for local sustainability initiatives, creating jobs and helping low-income residents. By increasing the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF) fee on fossil fuels, DC will be able to provide funding for local sustainability initiatives. This revenue would fund the Green Bank, and one-fifth of all the funds raised would be directed to programs that benefit low-income residents, including ratepayer assistance and energy efficiency, weatherization, and fuel-switching programs.

3) Create groundbreaking building efficiency standards. Establishes the strongest building efficiency standards in the country, making DC more competitive and in turn significantly increasing efficiency and renewable jobs in DC.

4) Reduce Transportation Sector Emissions. Revises DC’s vehicle excise tax to incentivize the purchase of more fuel-efficient cars in the District. This bill also empowers Mayor Bowser to commit DC to future regional initiatives that would reduce transportation emissions and impose a carbon fee on motor fuel.